Get ready to transform your pizza night with a mouthwatering twist that will make your taste buds dance! This Charred Corn Tomato and Basil Pesto Pizza isn't just another ordinary pizza - it's a culinary adventure that brings together the smoky sweetness of charred corn, the bright freshness of cherry tomatoes, and the aromatic magic of basil pesto. Imagine a pizza that looks like a work of art and tastes like summer on a slice, guaranteed to impress both family and friends with its stunning combination of flavors and textures.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn, grilled or charred
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. This will help achieve a crispy crust.
- While the oven is heating, prepare your pizza dough. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to stretch. If you’re making your own dough, ensure it has risen properly before rolling it out.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy transfer to the oven.
- Spread the basil pesto evenly over the surface of the pizza dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges for the crust.
- Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes over the pesto, followed by the grilled or charred corn. Make sure to scatter them well for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the tomatoes and corn, ensuring an even coverage.
- Season the pizza with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
- If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone. If not, simply place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This will make it easier to slice.
- Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Charred Corn Tomato and Basil Pesto Pizza!
Tips
- For the best flavor, char your corn on a grill or in a hot skillet to develop a deep, smoky sweetness before adding it to the pizza.
- Use a pizza stone if possible - it helps create a crispy, restaurant-quality crust that will elevate your homemade pizza experience.
- Let the pizza dough come to room temperature before stretching to prevent tearing and ensure a more even crust.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings - keep a balance to ensure the crust cooks evenly and stays crisp.
- Fresh basil leaves added after cooking will provide a burst of fresh flavor and beautiful green color.
- If you're short on time, high-quality store-bought pizza dough and pesto can be excellent shortcuts without compromising taste.
- For an extra flavor boost, drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
